The improved prototype underwent nearly half a month of rigorous "real-world" testing in Liujiatun. During the autumn harvest season, every household was rushing to harvest and thresh, and these Hongxing brand threshers and water pumps became the busiest and most eye-catching "stars" in the village.

Initially, Liu Li only contacted a few households to try out the machine, but soon, its good reputation spread like wildfire in the fields and villages.

"Old Li's iron horn is really powerful! He can thresh all the corn from my acre of land in half a day, leaving the kernels clean and without any broken cobs!"

"That new water pump at Widow Zhao's house is amazing! It pumps water out with just one press, it's powerful, and it doesn't leak! It's so much better than her old one!"

"I heard it's from the Hongxing Factory, a big factory, and it's definitely different! It looks sturdy and is easy to use!"

The praise grew, and with it came the villagers' irrepressible curiosity and envy. Many people made special trips to the old team leader's or Tie Zhu's houses just to see and touch these "different" farm tools. Some even brought freshly picked, still damp corncobs from their own fields, wanting to test whether the legendary "moisture-proof" threshing machine was really that amazing.

Tie Zhu's yard practically became a temporary demonstration site. Young and fond of showing off, he didn't mind the trouble and happily demonstrated to the villagers. Watching the damp corn smoothly transform into golden grains in the machine, and seeing the water pump operate flawlessly under continuous pressure, the onlookers frequently gasped in amazement.

"Tiezhu, how much does this machine cost?" Finally, someone couldn't help but ask the most crucial question.

"Yeah, something this good must be expensive, right?" the crowd echoed, their eyes filled with longing and worry about the price.

Tie Zhu scratched his head: "Sister Liu Li didn't say anything, she just said to let us use it as much as we want first, and see if there are any problems."

"What else is wrong with it? It's been revised several times already. I think it's much better than the ones displayed in the commune's supply and marketing cooperative!" an old farmer said confidently.

"If the price is right, my family will definitely get one! It will save us so much labor!"

"Exactly! If I can afford this water pump, I'll get a new one too!"

This spontaneous word-of-mouth and willingness to buy, based on genuine user experience, is more persuasive than any advertisement. Even relatives from neighboring villages came to visit, saw the machine, and were tempted, secretly inquiring where they could buy one.

Zhang Shulan meticulously recorded every piece of feedback and inquiry from the villagers, her heart pounding with excitement. She showed Liu Li her densely filled notebook: "Team leader, look! Everyone's saying it's great! They're all asking about the price! We've succeeded!"

Looking at the villagers gathered around the machine in the courtyard, discussing it enthusiastically, and seeing the simple yet eager light in their eyes, Liu Li finally felt a weight lifted from her heart. She heard the most genuine and precious recognition—not from laboratory data, not from praise from leaders, but from these end users, from the very forefront of the market.

She knew that the product design was finalized. The Hongxing brand small hand-cranked corn thresher and household water pump had already won the hearts of the first batch of users with their excellent quality, practical improvements, and affordable potential price (although the final price has not yet been determined, the cost has been significantly optimized).

“It’s time,” Liu Li said to Zhang Shulan, a relieved yet confident smile on her face. “Let’s pack up and head back to the factory. Next, we’ll start small-batch production, finalize the price, and prepare for the official market launch!”

The wind in the fields, carrying the fragrance of earth and ripe crops, caressed Liu Li's face. She knew that the first battle in the transformation of the Red Star Factory had already seen the dawn of victory. The farmers' approval was the best news.